A beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse where Cape Dutch architecture and selected works from the William Fehr Collection create a quiet, intimate museum experience.
Rust en Vreugd is one of Cape Town’s finest surviving Cape Dutch townhouses and an intimate museum within the Iziko Museums of South Africa. Built around 1777–1778 for Willem Cornelis Boers, the Dutch East India Company’s Fiscal at the Cape, the restored building stands on what was then the town’s outer edge.
The museum houses William Fehr’s collection of works on paper, including historic drawings, watercolours and prints. Because these artworks are sensitive to light, only selected works are displayed at any one time, allowing exhibitions to change while protecting the collection.
The building has served several purposes across its history, including a teachers’ training college and Cape Town High School, before being restored as a gallery in the 1960s. Its decorative gables, elegant rooms and peaceful courtyard are as much a part of the visit as the artworks.
Rust en Vreugd offers a quieter cultural experience than Cape Town’s larger museums and combines easily with the District Six Museum, Castle of Good Hope, Slave Lodge and Company’s Garden.
Highlights
- Beautifully preserved 18th-century Cape Dutch townhouse
- Home of the William Fehr Collection of works on paper
- Changing selections of historic drawings, prints and watercolours
- Elegant period architecture and carefully restored interiors
- A peaceful courtyard in the heart of the City Bowl
- Part of the Iziko Museums of South Africa
Tips
Visit on a Thursday or Friday morning for a quieter experience, and check Iziko’s current exhibition listing because the works on paper rotate for conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rust en Vreugd?
Rust en Vreugd is an 18th-century Cape Dutch house museum operated by Iziko Museums and home to works from the William Fehr Collection.
What can I see inside?
Visitors can see selected historic drawings, prints and watercolours while exploring one of Cape Town’s best-preserved Cape Dutch townhouses.
Why do the exhibitions change?
The collection consists largely of light-sensitive works on paper. Displaying selected pieces at a time helps protect them and allows exhibitions to change.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend around 30 to 60 minutes exploring the museum and exhibitions.
Can I combine it with other attractions?
Yes. Rust en Vreugd is within walking distance of the District Six Museum, Castle of Good Hope, Slave Lodge and Company’s Garden.
